Comparison of cytochromes from anaerobically and aerobically grown cells of Pseudomonas perfectomarinus.

Pseudomonas perfectomarinus (ATCC 14405) is a facultative anaerobe capable of either oxygen respiration or anaerobic nitrate respiration, i.e., denitrification. A comparative study of the electron transfer components of cells revealed five c-type cytochromes and cytochrome cd in the soluble fraction from anaerobically grown cells and four c-type cytochromes in the soluble fraction from aerobically grown cells. Purification procedures yielded three c-type cytochromes (designated c-551, c-554, and acidic c-type) from both kinds of cells as indicated by similarities in absorption spectra, molecular weight, and electrophoretic mobility. Cytochrome cd, a diheme c-type cytochrome (cytochrome c-552), and a split-alpha c-type cytochrome were recovered only from anaerobically grown cells. A c-type cytochrome with a low ratio of alpha to beta absorption peak heights was uniquely present in the aerobically grown cells. Liquid N2 temperature absorption spectroscopy on the membrane fraction from anaerobically grown cells revealed residual cytochrome cd as well as differences in the relative amounts of c-type and b-type cytochromes in membranes prepared from cells grown under the two different conditions.